Timely Emergency Intervention Ensures Safe Delivery in 7th-Time Pregnancy with Severe Preeclampsia

Hanoi French Hospital Successfully Manages Emergency Case of 7th-Time Pregnancy with Severe Preeclampsia and Multiple Risk Factors

Recently, Hanoi French Hospital (HFH) successfully performed an emergency intervention for a 7th-time pregnant woman suffering from severe preeclampsia and multiple associated risk factors.

Having previously delivered six children in Taiwan, Ms. Nguyễn Ngọc Ánh and her husband wished to welcome one more baby this year. Choosing to deliver her seventh child in Vietnam, Ms. Ánh began prenatal care at HFH at 33 weeks of pregnancy. From the outset, HFH’s obstetricians monitored her condition closely to ensure safety.

However, three weeks later, she began experiencing symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and ineffective pain relief. At 36 weeks and 1 day, she presented with severe bilateral leg swelling, high blood pressure of 159/95 mmHg, intense headaches, mild seizures, and blurred vision. She was promptly admitted, and the Obstetrics team coordinated with Cardiologists to initiate a preeclampsia treatment protocol to prevent worsening seizures and neurological complications, such as stroke, that could pose life-threatening risks to both mother and child.

Despite close monitoring, Ms. Ánh’s condition did not improve—headaches persisted and blood pressure remained unstable. A multidisciplinary consultation was held, and the team made the urgent decision to proceed with an emergency cesarean section the same day. Thanks to prompt and coordinated efforts, the surgery was a complete success, with both mother and baby in good health. After two days of postnatal monitoring, Ms. Ánh’s blood pressure and vital signs returned to normal. Her newborn was stable, feeding well, and safely nestled in her mother’s arms.

Dr. Cao Thị Thúy Hà, who directly oversaw the patient’s treatment and emergency surgery, explained:
“This was a case of severe preeclampsia with multiple risk factors, including advanced maternal age, history of multiple births, gestational diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, the patient experienced postpartum hemorrhage during her sixth delivery and required a 3-day blood transfusion. Considering her medical history and clinical condition upon admission, we proactively performed uterine artery ligation during the cesarean section, combined with uterotonic medications to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and ensure the safest outcome for both mother and baby.”

Thanks to the successful emergency surgery, both mother and child recovered well and were discharged following the standard postnatal care timeline.

Proactive Care to Protect Maternal Health During Pregnancy

According to Dr. Thúy Hà, preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and potential damage to other organs, most commonly the liver and kidneys. While it can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is more commonly observed after 32 weeks, during the third trimester.

Preeclampsia poses risks such as fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, and maternal complications involving the cardiovascular and renal systems. In severe cases, it may endanger the lives of both mother and baby.

The earliest warning sign is often elevated blood pressure during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential for expectant mothers to monitor their blood pressure from the early stages of pregnancy and throughout the entire term. A blood pressure reading exceeding 140/90 mmHg—recorded on two separate occasions at least 4 hours apart—is considered abnormal.

Other symptoms of preeclampsia may include:

• Excess protein in the urine
• Severe headaches
• Vision changes, including temporary loss of vision, blurred vision, or light sensitivity
• Upper abdominal pain, typically on the right side below the ribs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Decreased urine output
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid weight gain (more than 2 kg per week)
• Swelling (edema), particularly in the face, hands, and feet

In some cases, symptoms may progress silently and be difficult to detect. Therefore, regular prenatal check-ups with an obstetrician are essential for early screening and appropriate treatment planning.

As a trusted companion throughout your pregnancy, Hanoi French Hospital—with internationally trained physicians, European-standard comprehensive care protocols, and state-of-the-art medical equipment—is fully equipped to detect and manage symptoms of preeclampsia promptly, helping ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for every mother.